School hit by mass hysteria appeals for help

KOTA BARU: The principal of the school that was hit by mass hysteria is appealing for professional help to resolve the situation.  

Speaking at a press conference here Thursday, Siti Hawa Mat said the studies of students of SMK Pengkalan Chepa 2 were disrupted, and her administration was at wits' end to find a way to rid the school of “bad spirits”.  

"We had to close the school today (Thursday). To date, we have more than eight ustaz and bomoh to help us chase away spirits that are said to be in the school compound," she said. 

Since Monday, more than 100 students and teachers were hit by hysteria.  

She added that the school closure was needed to keep the students away to enable the bomoh and ustaz to perform prayers before reopening the school on Sunday.  

Only the teachers will be present at school as usual.  

Siti said the school welcomes any help from anyone who think that they are able to solve this mystery for good. 

She said the school would be holding special prayers for two hours with the students on Sunday.   

Relating her experience, physical education teacher Norlelawati Ramli, 32, said she felt something pinning her down.  

She saw a black spectre, right after she tended to one of the affected female students.  

"I could not move as if I had been glued to the floor. And the next thing that shocked me was the glimpse of the black spectre. Luckily, I was revived by another teacher," she added.